Account of a Journey to the Indian Country

JOSEPH CLARK’s JOURNAL: 367

delphia, inculeated the duties of humanity; the nu-
merous and yaluable little works, issued by Samuel
Wood & Sons, of New York, furnished amusement
and valuable instruction to the youthful mind, and
supplanted the taste for such unprofitable romances
as Tom Thumb, Giles Gingerbread, Gulliver’s Tra-
vels, and Robinson Crusoe.

Less than a hundred years ago, our ancestors were
urged to furnish their children with an opportunity
to learn to read and write; and where circumstances
would admit, some further useful learning: Under
a prospect of the advancement of the ‘present day,
we may be ready to marvel that the extent of their
wishes in t746, was so limited.

We rejoice that the human mind is advancing in
the proper application of its powers, to the study of
truth, and the knowledge of natural science. We
also rejoice in the improved order observable in
schools; that teachers, more generally than former-
ly, are <‘careful,’? as our worthy Friends of 1746
express it, ‘in a spirit of meekness, to bring their
scholars to the knowledge of their duty to God, and
one to another.’”

tS Oe

Joseph Clark’s Account of a Journey to the Indian
Country.

In the year 1797, John Parrish, a friend and fa-
ther in the church, suggested the advantage that
might arise to the Indian natives, by bringing a few
of their young females into this part of the country,
in order to instruct them in the useful arts of do-
mestic economy, by placing them in the families
368 JOSEPH CLARK’S JOURNAL.

of suitable Friends, where they might be carefully
educated.

This being a very weighty matter, claimed my
serious attention, and was laid before the committee
appointed by the Yearly Meeting, for promoting the
improvement and gradual civilization of the Indian
natives. The proposal was acceded to by the com-
mittee, who furnished me with a certificate, expres-
sive of their unity therewith, and addressed to the
Indians, as follows:

‘< BRroTHERS,—
We received by our friend, Honey Simmons,
a few lines from you. We were glad to hear from
you, and that your young men were encouraged to
walk in the good path, we recommended to you. It
did our hearts good, when he told us that you had
raised corn, wheat, and other grain, to supply your-
selves till next crop. We wish you all to be sober
and industrious, and learn to be good farmers.
Brothers, we understand that you are desirous a

few of your girls should be placed in the families of |

some of our friends, and be taught what our daugh-
ters are. We rejoice at it, and_are willing to take
three of them; and our friend, Joseph Clark, has
agreed to assist in bringing them safe down, They
(H. Simmons and J. Clark,) will deliver you this.
We also have agreed to take two girls frome Oneida,
and two from the Tuscaroras.

Brothers, we expect the girls you send us, will
remain till they are eighteen years of age, as our
daughters are placed by their parents or friends to.
learn what we want your daughters should know;
that is, spinning, weaving, how to make butter, and


_ JOSEPH CLARK’S JOURNAL. 369

such other things as are useful on a farm. We shall
place them in such families as will use them kindly,
and instruct them in what is needful, ,
We remain your friends and brothers,
Joun Drinker,
H. Drinker,
JoHN PARRISH,
Tuos. STEwWARDSON,
Tuomas WIsTER,
Joun Bivpie.”’

Having laid the subject before my family, after
about two weeks’ consideration and preparation, I
took an affectionate leave of them on the 16th of the
10th month, 1797, and went to Bristol, in Bucks
county, where I met with my friend, Henry Sim-
mons, jun. who was to be mv companion in the j sone
ney, which was very satisfactory. But he was taken
unwell, after travelling about twenty miles, and con-
tinued so during all the journey.

When we arrived at New York, a number of ar-
ticles were purchased for clothing for the girls; and
we prosecuted our journey, till, in due season, we
arrived at Oneida, in the state of New York, where
we were received with marks of affection by the
Indians. I was taken to the house of one of the
Chiefs, his wife having been informed concerning
my coming.

On the 29th, Nicholas Cusick, Chief of the Tus-
caroras, with his wife, made us a visit. He is an
orderly and sensible man.

Wealso had a conference with the Stockbridge and
Tuscarora Indians; at which we produced our certi-
ficates, and they were read, not only by paragraphs,
but by sentences and words. Hendrick Apaumut
was interpreter for the Stockbridge, and Nicholas
370 JOSEPH CLARK’S JOURNAL.

Cusick for the Tuscaroras. Some warriors from
Niagara, were also present. At this conference, the
Indians seemed fully satisfied with the proposals
made to them. We informed them that Friends had
nothing but love for them and their children; and
as it was their desire that we should take their chil-
dren, we would do it at Friends’ expense. On which

information, they acknowledged Friends’ love for

them.

11¢h mo. 1st. Hada conference with the prin-
cipal Chief of the Oneidas, about the girls. He re-
marked, that those of the young Indians who go out,
often learn wrong habits; and mentioned some in-
stances in the neighbourhood. He further observed,

that they would rather the sons of Onas, (meaning of

William Penn,) should have their people or children,
than any other people; but their judgment was, for
our women to come and instruct them; which would
better preserve their morals, and be of far greater
utility amongst the Indians, and which they always
understood would be the case, from the first proposal
made by the committee. In answer to all this, I re-
plied, ‘‘Great trees grow slow;’’ meaning, great
matters take time to accomplish.

He called upon me twice after this, to write a piece
for their nation. At first, I declined; but, upon the
second application, I complied; well knowing that
what they requested was the mind of Friends, and
also of Government. When it was written, they con-
ferred together about its contents; and next day I was
informed by their Chief that they approved thereof.
The purport of it was to warn off some bad tenants,
who had settled on their land contrary to law. The
Chief gave me a name, Onas, signifying the man who

SY 5a



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JOSEPH CLARK’S JOURNAL. 371

uses a pen, which I thought no way suitable for my
small abilities.

Being frequently in company with the Stockbridge
Indians, I was induced to believe they are superior,
especially the women, to many under our name, who
make a high profession of religion.

3d. Travelling through this settlement, I beheld
the pleasant situation of the houses of the natives on
arising ground, near a clear, running stream, sur-
rounded with trees which are evergreen;—my mind
was considerably humbled on seeing the manner in
which they lived, and how free they were from those
cares and wants, that luxury and pride have intro-
duced. Their composure and serenity are remark-
able. After along absence of an Indian, they do not
show that ecstacy on his return, that we do in meeting
a friend in such a case; but, when a suitable time
offers, he says, “Satandoxry gawchee!”’ that is, “So,
friend, art thou still in the valley of tears?’’

About this time, I was informed of an interesting
circumstance, which occurred among the Wyandot
nation of Indians, with a deputation from Congress.
It appears that in consequence of some encroachments
of the white people upon the borders of their land, a
demur or dissatisfaction arose among the Indians, and
the affair demanded the attention of Congress, who
appointed a certain number of judicious men, of their
body, to investigate the grievance. The Indians
being informed, a council was called; and at a time
appointed, the deputies met them, and requested to be
furnished with information of the boundaries of their
territory. When, to their great surprise, a young
Indian stepped forth, and on behalf of the council, in
a solemn manner, spoke thus: ‘‘ He who causes the

ee
372 JOSEPH CLARK’s JOURNAL.

sun to rise beyond the top of the eastern hills, and set
below the brow of the western mountains,—that hath
clothed the wilderness with leaves in the spring, and
disrobed it again, in the fall,—it is He alone who hath
set bounds to our country.’’ This speech so surprised
the auditory, though men of great abilities, that they
knew not what reply or answer to make.

5th, Favoured with health, though my companion,
H.:Simmons, jun. labours under the affliction of the
ague. John Tuhi and George Crosby came to see us.
These men are of another tribe, and appear superior
in respect to sobriety and understanding, to many of
us, who are of a fairer complexion. Their remarks
on divers matters were edifying. Speaking of a

_schoolmaster’s qualifications, one of them observed

that the sort of master they wanted, or required
amongst them was, not only one who was qualified to
teach children, and keep the school in order, but one
who would be an example to their parents.

These men offered us their horses to ride to their
nation, and they would: go on foot, being about
seventeen computed miles, through a country almost
impassable at this season: but I could not accede to
their kind proposal.

Had a meeting this morning. A number of Indians
eame to see us, notwithstanding it was very stormy.
I thought this a day of refreshment, both in our little
sitting, and in some remarks made by the natives.

6th. A cold morning;—the wind north-east, and
the waters high in the creeks, from the thaw of snow
that had occurred. We intended to set out for Stock-
bridge on foot, but as my companion was much re-
duced by having the ague, together with some bag-
gage we had to take, it seemed.a little difficult. But


JOSEPH CLARK’S JOURNAL. 373

he who is a present help was near to provide; for a
Stockbridge Indian came to the house at the hour we
intended to depart, and agreed to carry our burdens.
From my feelings, I had cause of thankfulness for
being here; believing the Lord is bringing about a
great work in the earth.

A man, called a Baptist minister, was at Stock-
bridge. The Indians showed him our certificate; at
which he expressed his approbation, and offered us
the use of his horse for a few days.

Here we were informed that the Oneida’s conclu-
sion not to send their girls from their nation, had
such an effect upon the Tuscaroras, that notwith-
standing we had delivered clothing for their children,
we had to recommend them to deliver it to those who
offered voluntarily. We could have had many more
of the Stockbridge children, than were specified in
our certificate; but to keep as near as possible to
what was therein contained, was our earnest desire.

My companion was so ill as we travelled along,
that he entreated me to permit him to lie down on
the wet logs; which I could not suffer; and whether
he would be able to reach the house intended was un-
certain,—the road being so very miry. His illness
was a considerable exercise to me, not only at this
time, but many others. At length, we arrived at our
Indian brother’s, where we were treated with great
kindness, and much hospitality.

7th. A fine morning. My mind often felt the
sweet influences of Divine Goodness; and I could be-
hold its salutary effects among some of these inhabi-
tants of the wilderness. Their penetration and judg-
ment in religious matters, are very evident and
striking, as may appear in the following narrative.

Vout. I.—32


374 JOSEPH CLARK’S JOURNAL.

=

It appears that two young men were prepared at
Princeton college, to be sent as missionaries among
the Indians. And in order to habituate themselves
to the hardships that awaited them, they lodged upon
boards. When they set out upon their mission, seve-
ral persons of respectability accompanied them to
the Creek Nation. When arrived, the Chiefs were

‘called,—a conference was held with them, and it was

proposed to call a Council; which being met, the
visitors informed them that they had brought two

-ministers of the gospel to preach salvation to them;

and also a number of books, which would lead them
the way to heaven. The Indians received the infor-
mation, without apparent emotion; and said they
would consider the subject; which should occupy the
space of fourteen days. Meanwhile the young minis-
ters proposed preaching; but the Indians would not
suffer them, until their own conclusions were made.
At the expiration of the fourteen days, the Indians

“made inquiry, whether they had any dark-coloured

people among them, and whether they preached the
gospel of salvation to them: whether they gave them

those good books, which would show them the way to

heaven; and whether they treated them as slaves, or
as brothers. Being answered accordingly, the In-
dians again spoke, “Go home, and preach the gospel
of salvation to them; give them those good books, that

will learn them the way to heaven;—treat them as

brethren, and not as slaves; then come and preach to
us.””? In consequence of this refusal, the whole mis-
sionary company returned; and one of them who was
in the station of a congress-man, was so effected with
the circumstance, that he emancipated all his slaves.
When I came home, I called upon the person, and


JOSEPH CLARK’S JOURNAL. 375

inquired more fully respecting the matter, when he
readily, seriously, and fully confirmed the same.

I never experienced greater kindness thanfrom the
Indians. I had not only their horses to ride, but a
guide from place to place. . The natives would not
permit me even to carry my portmanteau, nor scarce-
ly to go over a bridge that was dangerous, but offered
to carry me over in their arms; though I would not
suffer them. When I lodged with the Indians, they
would build a large fire at bed-time, in the room that
I oceupied, and always renewed it at midnight; —the
family being remarkably still, whether up or a-bed.

8th. A hard frost. This morning set out for Bro-
thertown, having the Chief’s horse to ride, with one
-of their principal men for a guide. We travelled
through a most fertile country, over logs, and thro’
' bushes, at the rate of about a mile, and sometimes
two, in an hour. Arrived at Brothertown in the
evening, and were treated with all the kindness we
could ask. Having comfortably lodged here one
night, the next day we set out for Fort Schuyler,
being still accommodated with horses and a guide.
The roads were beyond description, bad; but we
were fayoured to reach Fort Schuyler, in the even-
ing,—having previously agreed to meet our family
of female Indians at this place.

104A. This morning our Indian girls came, each
one accompanied by her parent or guardian. The
business of parting was conducted with great serious-
ness, for the Indians delivered their children to us
with the utmost confidence and quietude: which
brought over my mind a considerable weight of con- —
cern and care, that nothing on my part, might ob-
struct this great and important work. The girls ma-
376 JOSEPH CLARK’S JOURNAL.

nifested much stillness and composure, at taking
leave of their parents, to go a long journey, with
perfect strangers, to reside in a distant land. So we
went to the Mohawk river, and they stepped into
the. boat, wrapped their faces in their blankets, and
I do not remember that they uttered a word. We
now had to pass down this river about one hundred
miles, but got on very well the first day’s voyage.

112h. Very cold this morning, especially on the
Mohawk. We arrived at the Falls about breakfast-
time. These wonderful works of Providence are
very striking to every rational beholder. The water-
fall is fifty-one feet between the tremendous rocks,
which form a perfect stone wall for the space of
twenty miles along the river. This river receives
the fewest creeks of any I know of; conSequently it
keeps nearly the same height, and is not affected by
any tide. Travellers often stop, kindle a fire on its
banks, and dress their meal.

My companion continues ill, increasingly so, by
being much exposed to the cold in an almost open
boat, while the hills and fields are covered with snow.
About four o’clock in the afternoon we arrived at
Schenectady, and procured comfortable lodgings,
which could not be obtained at every place.

12th. A rainy morning. I felt well in health,
through favour, tho? my companion, H. Simmons,
was still affected with the ague. Being first-day,
early in the morning, we were taken about fourteen
miles in a carriage to Albany, where we tarried at
the house of our kind friend, Peter Field, during
the remainder of this day, which I spent chiefly in
reading the Book of Martyrs. There are but three
families of Friends in this place, who are not thought
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JOSEPH CLARK’S JOURNAL. 377

qualified to hold a meeting: therefore, they and their
children must suffer great privation and loss, in the
most serious and important part; for, being full
twenty miles from the nearest meeting, perhaps
these young people but seldom attend.

It would be wisdom for parents carefully to weigh
every difficulty, in removing with their tender off-
spring, to settle far from meeting, and not let the
perishing things of this world have too much sway.
He who is rich in merey, can mar abundance, and
bless a little; for ‘‘ the earth is the Lord’s, and the
fulness thereof.”’

13th. A fine mild morning. The wind being fa-
vourable, we took passage in a sloop for New York.
I felt a degree of thankfulness that the Lord had
thus far preserved us, and our family of girls.

14th, A rainy morning, though mild. Our girls
conduct themselves with so much propriety, that
they are remarked by persons of respectability. My
mind was frequently exercised, so as not to suffer
me to sleep; hoping nothing might befall my tender
children, that would obstruct this good work, which
the Lord is about to carry on from sea to sea, and to
the uttermost parts of the earth. |

We left Albany about four o’clock in the after-
noon, and came to Hudson that night, about thirty
miles; notwithstanding we were aground, and laid
at anchor till the tide floated us off. Next day we
had a head wind; but our family appeared cheerful,
which is a considerable satisfaction, and cause of
thankfulness unto Him who is a present helper in
every needful time.

16th. A clear, cold morning. Run aground by
means of a strong wind from the western shore, about

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378 i JOSEPH CLARK’S JOURNAL.

nine miles above New York. When the tide was in
favour, we carried out our anchor, but all endeavours
at this time, proved in vain; and we were obliged to
remain in the cold, until the tide should rise again.
In the evening, we renewed our efforts, and were
favoured to effect our design. We arrived opposite
New York about nine o’clock in the evening, but
the tide run so strong that the captain said he could
not bring the vessel to shore. Being desirous of mo-
ving forward as fast as practicable, we engaged the
boat to take us ashore; which being covered with ice
on every part, and tossing so much, that it was with
difficulty we could get in. -At length we arrived
safely in New York, and were kindly received by
our friend Edmund Pryor; and may truly say, from
the tenderness that was shown to us, and to the In-
dian girls, it was ‘* like a brook by the way.”

17th. A snowy morning. Friends manifested
much kindness towards us, particularly Joseph De-
laplaine, who accompanied us to the vessel, and pre-
sented to each of the girls a piece of silver. We ar-
rived safely at Brunswick about seven o’clock in
the evening. There was here, at this time, a certain
great man from Poland, who had never seen an In-
dian, and was desirous of being introduced to the
girls. They being in a private room at supper, he
walked in to take a view of them. When he beheld
their orderly deportment, he seemed much surpri-
sed; and after walking round the table where they
were sitting, he said, ‘‘ These are almost civilized
already.’? I informed him that the father of one of
them would not drink wine.

The same evening, the Poland general and his
company came into the room, where my companion
JOSEPH CLARK’S JOURNAL. 379

and I were sitting. In the course of the conversa-
tion, the word ¢how was used, which attracted the
attention of a young man, who remarked in French
to the general, that we, as a people, had a very un-
couth way of speaking thou;—he apprehended, as I
suppose, that we should not understand what he
said in that language. However, I informed him,
that it was the language of the Almighty to the first
man, Adam; therefore bid him not reflect upon the
people for using the language which the Lord had
taught them. He looked confused; and the Polander,
who understood English, appeared to favour the ob-
servation.

18th. Set out before day, and reached Princeton
by breakfast-time. Through the continuance of Di-
vine favour, my family continue well, except Hen-
ry, whose ague remains with him. Passing on, we
arrived safely at Bristol in Pennsylvania, where we
parted. Henry took charge of the children, and
went to his home in that neighbourhood, where it
was concluded the girls should remain until I should
return from Philadelphia. Accordingly I took pas-
sage in the stage, and reached home about nine
o’clock in the evening; where, through the favour
of a kind, preserving Providence, I found my fami-
ly well, and we were mutually rejoiced to see each
other.

19¢h. A few Friends were called together, in or-

der to be informed of my proceedings, and to con- ©

sider what necessary step should be taken next.—
They expressed their satisfaction with my commu-
nication, and concluded that I should return the next
day to Henry Simmons’s, and bring the girls down
to Philadelphia.


380 JOSEPH CLARK’S JOURNAL.

20th. Rode to Bristol, and next morning to Hen-
ry Simmons’s, where the girls remained during my
absence. Being equipped, We again set out, and ar-
rived at my house about sun-set. The girls continu-
ed with us for three days; during which time, they
conducted themselves in an orderly manner; and
occasionally read the Scriptures. Many Friends call-
ed to see them, and gave them a number of small
presents. ‘

The next concern was, to find suitable places for
them. We accordingly set out for James Emlen’s,

in Delaware county, where we arrived safely, and

were kindly treated.

On first-day, the 26th, we had them all taken to
meeting, where they behaved in a becoming man-
ner. In the course of a few days, we had them sta-
tioned at the Friends’ houses, who were willing to
take charge of them, and instruct them in the -busi-
ness of housewifery. Two of the girls were placed
with Nathan Coope and son;—one, with a woman
Friend, who had a concern to take charge of one of
the Indians;—one was placed with the family of
William Jackson, and the remaining two with Isaac
Jackson. At my taking leave of them, they wept
considerably; and I felt much tenderness toward
them, when I reflected upon the confidence which
their parents had placed in me. On looking over
this journey, I may thankfully acknowledge, that
through adorable mercy, I have witnessed preserva-
tion; and may the great Preserver of men have the
praise.

—s